I absolutely love the tribute you have done for the boys.
I love coming to it every day, it gives me a window to your world. Since I don't live near enough to visit you as often as I would like, this is my way of checking in on you.

I also cried when I read all the new entries but I also laugh and smile. They were good kids. Yes! They drove us a little nuts at times, (all boys do), that's why we love them so much.

Hi dear friend,
I was one of many who visited your website yesterday ~ and cried again for the loss of Andrew and Jarrett as I re-read accounts of the accident. The drawing of the Knight kneeling by the crosses says it all... we're still weeping two years later for your beloved boys, and will for the rest of our lives. God bless you, Donna and Bob. I know Jarrett and Andrew are watching over you from their Heavenly Home.

Mrs. Burkholder,
Hi, my name is Teri Yackley. I was one of Andrew's friends from Batavia. Actually, he often referred to us as the "Batavia Girls." And I was searching for him today and I came upon your website. I love it and it looks great. I just want to let you know how much we miss him everyday and I pray for your children and your family all the time. I don't know if you remember, but me and my friends Holly and Michele came to see you the summer of 2003 to see how you were doing. I hope you are all doing well. It's ironoic too, because me and Michele picked up Andrew and Doug about two weeks before the accident, and we hadn't seen him for about a month before that. But I will always remember him how he looked then and how he looked all the other times.

We often look back on all the great and wonderful memories we have of Andrew. We are going to come see you again soon, and you bet we will be there March 3rd and March 5th. And the whole "Brawl" that went on, it does bring back memories of Andrew and Jarrett's accident. But for some reason, God called them up that week and we will never know why. I think it's all about trusting Him. But anyways, I miss him all the time and the whole world will never be the same without them.

Sincerely,
Teri Yackley, Michele, Holly, Kim, Danielle, and all the rest of the "Batavia Girls. :)"

Mrs. Burkholder:
Hi, my name is Teri Yackley. As I was searching for things about Andrew on the web, your site came up. And I must say I love it and it looks great. Anyway, me and my girlfriends Andrew oftenly called "the batavia girls." We came to see you last summer to see how you were doing, and I was in the process of writing you a letter when I decided to write on this instead. I just want to let you know I pray everyday and I will continue to pray for your family, as well as both of your children. May God bless you and Andrew and Jarrett forever. I miss Andrew so much, all the time. And this Burlington fight brings back some memories of him. And it's weird, because we picked up Andrew and Doug from a party with about two weeks before his accident and I will always remember him that way. I will write more soon I just wanted to let you know how I feel.

Sincerely,
Teri Yackley, Michele, Holly, Danielle, Kim, and all the rest of the "batavia girls."

Ok Andrew, i know it's after midnight but i figured you'd still be up.
HAPPY 19TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And you know what February 15th means? Only 236 days til i turn 19 too, aka only 2 years 236 days til we can hit the town!
hehe just don't tell your mom :)

Dear Donna and Bob, We're thinking of you especially on Andrew's birthday - what a sweet, energetic little guy. We'll always remember those visits with us as he and Jarrett were growing up. Our memories of him and Jarrett will stay forever in our hearts and minds. Bless you both, Dad and Mother

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW, THE BIG 1-9 AND TWO YEARS TO GO!!! YOU AND JARRETT ARE DOING A FINE JOB KEEPING EVERYONE IN LINE AND WATCHING OUT FOR US, SO THANKS FOR THAT. KEEP YOUR MOM AND DAD ON THEIR TOES AND DONíT LET THEM GET OUT OF CONTROL, YOU KNOW HOW THEY GET!! HA! HA! YOUR ALREADY SAFE, SO LIKE ALWAYS HAVE TONS OF FUN! CHEERS TO YOU!

Good Morning Donna, wanted to wish a Happy Birthday to Andrew first thing this morning.So here goes
"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birhtday Dear Andrew, Happy Birthday to You!!!"
Hope we see you soon. Our love to you and Bob.
Love Irene,

P.S. read Gayla's comment about the tennis racket picture looking just like Zoe, so amazing and wonderful to keep seeing all the resemblances (sp), to early to look that up, to the cousins as you put in the pictures.

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Birthday Andrew on the 15th!!!!! Roses for Irene (first time in 30 years) and LOVE for Andrew and Jarrett!! and even more LOVE for Donna and Bob!!!!!!!
Love to you and you and YOU and YOU.

I was just checking out the site to see what new pictures you had up, and I saw the one from the Mother's Tea...As crazy as it sounds I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I think I'm one of the girls in it...Seeing Jarrett in it brought back memories from the time our families went to Medival Times a long time ago (hope you still have a copy of the picture!) I cherish those memories so much,

I like what you've done to the site, it's looking good :)
Just wanted to see how you were doing? If you need anything you know my email :)
Just think, only a few more months until spring and you can start seeing your flowers again!! hehe!
Love always,
Colleen-

Hi Donna, something made me go back and look at your web site just now. Had been here earlier today and read your entry for today and looked at the pictures, then just now i go back and there is Chris! Thanks!!!

Dear Mrs. Burkholder,
How are u? I've been thinking a lot about Jarrett and Andrew. I decided to view the site today, to see if you added any new pictures of anything. I love looking at the new pictures of the boys or even the gravestone. I don't think I ever viewed that Letter to the boys you wrote, I cryed like the whole way through it. I miss them a lot Mrs. B!!! Are you doing the andrew-jarrett scholarship again, because I don't see it at the high school yet. Well I email me anytime, okay Mrs. B. I hope Mr. B is doing good. We still think about you a lot here

Thanks for putting that picture of me with pink hair on the website....and with no make-up I am looking especially wierd. My hair isn't pink anymore, I promise! It was just a phase.
LOVE the pictures of the boys, and YOU!

I just wanted to wish Jarrett a Happy Birthday on the 3rd, and to tell you, Mrs. Burkholder, that even though my life goes on, there's always a piece of my heart and mind that will always shine in remembrance of the boys. I come here often as I can, and I still enjoy seeing their faces on the site. :)

-Hey Mrs. B!!
I loved the pic of the sunset, it was so beautiful! I've been so busy with school but I manage to look at the site at least every other day. I hope you're doing well. Write me if you need anything :)
Love,
Colleen

Happy New Year's Donna and Bob. Just read Diane's message so I had to write too. So glad you were down this year you made the holidays so much fun.
The last time I saw Andrew and Jarrett, was the Christmas a few years ago that you spent down here. So that is how i always picture them,at Christmas,happy most of the time and arguing with each other the rest! Wish they were still here we would have gotten great pictures of all our boys together. Too mushy sorry, New Year's brings it out. love, Irene and Howard too

Donna & Bob~
It was so nice spending Christmas with you guys. I know how difficult this time of year is and I hope we were able to bring you a little happiness over the holidays. I think of the boys every day. We hope to see you again very soon.
Love~Diane & Marc & Saki

I have been enjoying your pics of Andrew & Jarrett. I can see their impish smiles to this day. They are so cute. Our memories of those dear to our hearts are the greatest gift of all this holiday season and always. Think of you often.

I really love your site that you did for the boys. I never knew them but I feel like I do now. I hope that someday I will be able to meet them. Thank you letting me see your wonderful boys. Sorry for you lose Love Marie

When tomorrow starts without us, and we are not there to see. If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for us. We whish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. We know how much you love us, as mush as we loved you, and each time you think of us we know you'll miss us too. But when tomorrow starts without us please try to understand, that an angel came and called us names and took us by hand. And said our place was ready in heaven far above and that we have to leave all those we dearly love.
We love you Mom and Dad.

Hi DJ!
Great pictures. We all looked different with more hair. This is the 1st time I really looked over the site. You do a great job. Call me and I"ll tell you my latest adventure.
Love, Uncle Bergy Aunt Avis & Micki

I don't know how I came across your familys web page but i did and I read the whole thing. It was very touching. I am so sorry for ya'll loses but I know they would be proud of what ya'll have done for them. May God Bless you and your family.

I am enjoying your Christmas pictures from your journal. I have been trying to get a good family picture together for this year. My boys always complain about having to do this. But reading your journal, I know how much the pictures will always mean to the family. Thanks for keeping us updated on your daily events. I continue to pray for you and your husband to find some peace with the events of your life.

My flakey Heritage professor finally handed back the narrative i worte about Andrew and Jarrett today~ got an A. All the stories from our class were published in a little book and a couple people came up to me today and told me how they'd read my story and it literally made them cry. It made me cry too but, after all this time, i think it helped in dealing with things. I think about you guys all the time and hope everything is going well. I love the pic of the boys today, Donna. I have one that's almost exactly the same of me and my sister!

hey donna - i visited the boys' stone the other day with some of my friends. it looks so beautiful with all of the festive decorations. its weird because everytime we go there, the little flower windmill things stand very very still... they're never moving when we arrieve. but when we begin speaking to the boys, they slowly start turning. it was a strange coincidence that made us smile. anyhow, i wish you the best and i hope you have a very happy thanksgiving!

Hi Mrs. B!! I was thinking of Andrew and Jarrett today when I was walking out of the kitchen tonight, and I was like I should go visit the site. So I did!! It still looks so good, and I hope Mr B. and you are doing good!! The thing I'll always remember is that Andrew died on my birthday, but that'll always be a day of rememberance, and Jarrett died two days before my birthday. It's something i'll always remember probably for the rest of my life. I miss them a lot Mrs. B!! I'm getting ready for college for 2005 fall year, and i'm really, really excited getting ready to apply for scholarships and getting all the stuff out to colleges, and i'm really excited well if you ever need someone to talk to i'm here. luv ya!

hey peoples!
I just wanted to say that i finally got my poster done and that i got to meet Andrew and Jarrett's Aunt this weekend. I really miss the boys and i wish the best to the family.
~*Love Tina*~

Monday, November 15th 2004 - 07:43:12 AM

Name:

Annie

Favorite food:

Pizza

Comments:

I think of you and your family often. I continue to pray for you to find some peace in your life. Thank you for your wonderful web site honoring your boys. They would be very proud of you. It helps us all to remember the boys, reading your words.

Mrs. Burkholder - Thanks to you, the site continues to inspire me every time I come here. The pictures of the boys together are so adorable. Oh, and keep up those entries - It's really nice to know how you're doing! Keep up the good work.

We think of you often and think the journal is a great tribute to your boys. We only met them a couple of times and remember them being so full of energy.Your love for them shines through every page of the journal and we hope you take comfort in the happy childhood you gave them.
Although we live so far away our thoughts and prayers are with you both and we send our love.

Hey Mrs. B. Justing checking in on the website, it looks great. Hope your computer is working ok. I always look through the photos you have posted here of Andrew and Jarrett and I think about all the great times that we had together. I'll see you soon. Nick

The Carthage crew reporting here... Megan is our friend from school who is amazing and is helping me write my narrative paper about Andrew. We were showing her the site and she thought it was really cool and liked all the old pictures a lot. Talk to you soon!

-Hey Mrs. B!!
Long time, no emails! My computer has been broken since May, and I just recently got it fixed. I was reading an entry from ohh...September 20th I think and how could you say such a thing, of course no one will ever forget your great boys! They will never be forgotten. They are loved by so many people and always will be. I'm here if you ever need to talk! Hope all is well :)
Love always,
Colleen

Bob & Donna,
I do still come to your site. I don't do it alot, but that's because I don't really spend a lot of time on the computer. As for forgetting about your boys, that's not going to happen. I think about you and them often. My thoughts alway go to them as I drive down Kelinger Rd. I enjoy seeing the pictures you put on the site. And every once in a while I happen across pictures of my boys with yours. As far as my boys are concerned, you know they won't forget. Take care ! Love Ya! Mary

I came by the cemetery and the flowers and stone looks absolutely beautiful! I left two roses, but they just seemed so inadequate compared with what you have done with their flowers and decorations. You are doing such a wonderful job with stone and this site, it really gives everyone comfort and strength, thank you so very much! We all still miss them, and it seems every other day someone is wearing the shirts and keeping their memory fresh. Thanks again, and God bless.
~HannaH~

Hey Bob and Donna!
Just thought i'd say hi. I moved into schoool on Sunday and started classes today. My room is in need of some decoration so i'm having my mom send me my andrew and jarrett plaque to spice things up a bit :o) You guys are the best!!

Donna and Bob~wow~ the website looks great, The pictures are perfect, and the letters are amazing. We went to the gravesite the other day to pay the boys a visit-the flowers that surround the stone look beautiful.

An old poem I never showed anyone, it's been on
my webpage/screen name...I figured I should do something
with it. Right? Here it goes...

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
It's scarey to think how fast life goes
the little we think about and the little we know
what was it about that day that you were chosen to go?
how were we suppsed to react if we didn't even know?
It was hard looking at you, not moving at all
I tried to stay so strong; I tried to stand tall
Tears rolled down my cheek one after the other
crying about the thought of never seeing eachother
I said my good bye and blew a soft kiss
wiping my make up off by using my wrist
tears fell like the rain, the atmosphere full of pain
so close to losing it by repeating his name
I looked all around me and stood in constant shock
the students stood like birds, gathered in a flock
I walked out in scilence still processing what took place
and remembering how hard it was to look Donna in the face
what do you say to someone who's in that much pain?
should it hurt to talk and speak of his name?
it hurt so bad not knowing what to say
it hurt so bad even thinking about that day
but still to this day I sometimes question, why?
why did they have to go? why did they die?
there are some answers that we will never know
but until we meet again I just have to let you go

Written by Elizabeth Konen
I love you forever and always
we will always remember "The Burks"
Donna & Bob~ you are in my thoughts and prayers

Hi Donna & Bob!
The website looks amazing. We like what you have done with it. We hope that you are doing okay. We miss the boys so much and there isn't one day that passes by where we don't think about them. They are in our hearts for now and will be until our day comes. Please let us know if you need anything...we are here for you...we're right behind you.
love Lizz & D.J.

Hi Donna & Bob!
The website looks amazing. We like what you have done with it. We hope that you are doing okay. We miss the boys so much and there isn't one day that passes by where we don't think about them. They are in our hearts for now and will be until our day comes. Please let us know if you need anything...we are here for you...we're right behind you.
love Lizz & D.J.

hey Mrs. Burkholder,
i found out about this website a few months ago. i check it almost everyday, i really love this site. i always walk past your house every day, and your yard looks beautiful. well i hope to see you around sometime. take care.

I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THE WEBSITE. I MAY NOT CHECK IT OUT EVERYDAY, BUT THAT IS WHAT THE ARCHIVES ARE FOR RIGHT. I REALLY LOVED THE FLOWER PICTURE OF ANDREW AND JARRETTS FACES ON THEM, I HAD TO PRINT THAT ONE OUT. I WILL BE GOING NOW, TAKE CARE AND TELL UNCLE BOB THAT I SAY HI. I WILL SEE YOU SOON.
~KRISSY~

Hey Donna! Last night, my mom told me about the site you've made for Jarrett and Andrew. Strangely, the first question that came out of my mouth was, "Do they still have Hobbes?" I remember how much Jarrett absolutely loved Hobbes. This site is such a wonderful idea! I had so many good memories just from looking at all the pictures. I particularly remember the "Loch Ness Monster Movie" Jarrett made in 6th grade for the Challenge Reading class. It had the whole family in it with Scottish accents, and a model of "Nessie" swimming in a pond. It was absolutely hilarious!
Anyway, I just wanted to say that I admire you for all your faith and courage, and thanks so much for sharing this great site with all of us. It's a great way to remember Andrew and Jarrett. I think about you guys sooo much.
Much Love,
Elyse

Hey, Donna!
Someone just told me about this site this past weekend. This is so great! Not only do you share pictures and memories of your boys, you get to talk about stuff, and hear from people. Like everyone else has said, I think about you guys all the time, too. I hope and pray that you're getting whatever it is that you need to get through each day. (I suspect that the planting/caring for the gorgeous greenery around the boys' stone helps!) You guys are such wonderful, optomistic people who deserve to find some peace and joy again someday. Tim has that picture of the boys' baseball team up that you gave him------Hey: if you ever feel like getting back into coaching, let Phil know........Take care, Love Gail

Monday, June 28th 2004 - 09:50:18 PM

Name:

Annie

Comments:

I just read your letter to your boys for Father's Day. It was very touching. I then read your letter that you wrote from Mother's Day, and the tears flowed. You are a very special mother to two very special angels. Just remember that they are with you every day and they love you very much.

Andrew and Jarrett are two hilarious kids who always brought a smile to my face and showed me a thing or two about what they know to broaden on my knowledge, like Jarrett with chess which he taught me how to play and Andrew with golf just practicing with him was always fun and I will miss them with all my heart always and forever.

Donna, I have thought on many occasions to write to you but always felt at a loss for words. I think of you often and always remember your boys when I drive past the cemetary. I marvel at your strength but weep for the immense loss you have suffered. I hope you will know that many people think about you and pray for you to have peace and happiness in your life.
Sincerely, Cathy

Dear Donna,
I never had the pleasure of knowing your sons, but they seem like they had a lot of joy in their lives. I can't imagine the heartache of losing one child, let alone both of them, but you have done a wonderful job of keeping their memories fresh for family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda

Your boys must have been very special to have such devoted friends and truly loving parents.

I lost my daughter in 1995, and all these years later, I have gotten by her death, but I will never get past her life. I feel blessed that she was with me, even if it was just for 16 years. I like to think that that is all God could spare her for.

When you spoke of all the things that "people" had told you, I remember standing in that spot. It was of little comfort at the time. Slowly through the years, and through dear friends, I moved forward, unwillingly at times, but eventually I began to live again and not simply function. Her memory began to bring a smile to my face, not tears to my eyes. I knew in my heart that this is what she wanted.

I truly feel that our angels are with us every moment of every day. Their friends keep them alive as we do. They may have left this earth, but they left their mark, not just on you, but on all their friends. These friends will keep their memories alive, just as you and your husband will.

I was given this website by my sister-in-law Anne. I do not know you or your sons, but after reading and seeing your wonderful site, I do feel that I have gotten to know you and them in a very special way. From your many pictures I can see how high spirited and full of life they were. And how very much they were loved by you and so many other family members and friends. Continue to update your site for all those who need help to have their spirits lifted. You are an inspiration and a light for others. God bless you.

I was given this website by my sister-in-law Anne. I do not know you or your sons, but after reading and seeing your wonderful site, I do feel that I have gotten to know you and them in a very special way. From your many pictures I can see how high spirited and full of life they were. And how very much they were loved by you and so many other family members and friends. Continue to update your site for all those who need help to have their spirits lifted. You are an inspiration and a light for others. God bless you.

Hi Donna,
Not a week goes by that I do not think of you and your boys. Stay strong! You have a wonderful web site dedicated to wonderful boys! I never had the opportunity to meet your sons, but I feel I know them now. They would be proud of you and the work you have done here! Keep up the good work.

Dear Mom, We're writing in here because you feel sad that people rarely write in your new guestbook. We love the fact that you have a place for our friends and family to go to see pictures and read the stories about us. You've finally figured out how to operate the computer, Mom (Jarrett said that). Remember that we're always with you. As you've said before, we're in God School now, and you'd be very proud of us. Some day, we'll meet up again, and all your sadness will be gone. Love you, Mom. Your saintly boys, Andrew and Jarrett

Hi Donna!
I am going to see the boys today! I really miss them. I was looking at all the pictures and things you got in here. It looks great! Theres not a day that goes by that i dont think about them. They are always on my mind! Hope to hear from you soon. Tina

Hi Donna,
First chance I had to check out the new guest book and it is really nice. Loved all the new pix, adorable one on the first page, Andrew and Jarrett look like they glued their faces together! Found the fishing picutres will make sure I show Patrick when he gets home. I need to take a picture of this great tree Patrick and I found a few blocks away with purple flowers. Don't have any idea what it is guess I should ask your parents since Florida flowers and trees are still so new to me. Or is it I am too old to learn!
Must go now talk to you later, bye love, Irene

Hi Donna! Well it seems as if time is flying by way too fast for me here at college, but I'm always taken back in time when I visit the site. You have done an amazing job and I am so glad that you let me e-mail you and send you pictures from here at school and that you respond to me as often as you can. Andrew and Jarrett are always in my thoughts and not a day goes by that I don't pray for the best for you and Bob. Take care!
Luv, Trina

Hi Everyone, I wanted to get this set up correctly before I wrote anything. I finally have the bugs worked out! This is the guestbook that Linda Kelley has on Jenny's website. It's way better than the one I had because you can write as much as you want. Thanks to everyone for writing such wonderful notes, it always makes me smile to hear from you all (that's southern talk). Later, djb